Learners who are considering upgrading their skills, advancing their careers or taking on a new challenge through a program at Okanagan College (OC) have another great reason to take the plunge right now. The StrongerBC future skills grant is back with tuition support.
Introduced for the first time in fall 2023, the StrongerBC future skills grant covers as much as $3,500 in eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions including Okanagan College. The grant is open to most B.C. residents aged 19 years or older, regardless of financial need.
Twenty programs at Okanagan College are eligible for the grant and registration is open in programs in health care, trades, business and more. Several of OC's new microcredentials are also eligible including Supportive Care Assistant, Video Game Prototyping, Residential Insulation Technician and Trauma Informed Practice programs.
"We understand that many individuals in our region are eager to enhance their skills, but that financial barriers can be a challenge," said Dr. Neil Fassina, president, Okanagan College. "The future skills grant significantly broadens access to short-term training and specialized learning opportunities. The grant ensures more people can pursue the training needed to help them secure well-paying, in-demand jobs that are crucial to our economy in the Interior."
The Province announced the popular grant to help remove financial barriers to education. Thousands of learners across the province accessed the grant in 2023. Learning opportunities include in-person, online or hybrid delivery, making it easier for people in British Columbia to find training that fits their busy lives.
Okanagan College, which has campuses in Vernon, Penticton, Salmon Arm, and Kelowna and centres in Osoyoos/Oliver and Revelstoke, has a wide range of courses that qualify for future skills grant funding including:
- Basic Accounting, Project Management, Graphic Design, IT User Support
- Autism Spectrum, Occupational Health and Safety, Medical and Dental Office Administrative Assistant Certificates
- Residential Insulation Technician, Battery Electrical Vehicle Technology, Windows and Doors Installations and Reftrofit
Learn more about the StrongerBC future skills grant, including how to apply and the full list of eligible OC courses and programs at okanagan.bc.ca/future-skills-grant.
Anyone with questions can email OCfutureskillsgrant@okanagan.bc.ca for more information.
